Page 1 of His Boys to Protect

Chapter 1

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WARD

WARD FREEMAN had to be out of his mind.

He sat in a glitzy hotel lobby, feeling like a big, lumbering fool amidst the glamorous people coming and going all around him. Ward bounced his leg and pushed his hair back out of his eyes. His dress clothes felt stiff and uncomfortable. He tugged at his collar and smoothed down his tie, then had to push his hair back again. Ward was a country boy, born and raised. He belonged in jeans and flannel, out in the vineyards, lifting heavy things and enjoying the fresh air. Instead, he was sitting in a fancy hotel in San Francisco, all dressed up, waiting for a date.

The city was because his old college buddy was getting married there. The hotel, because it was the closest one to the wedding venue. Ward hadn't wanted to deal with traffic or get lost, even if his phone did have a navigation app, so he'd chosen the hotel strictly by distance, regardless of the price. But the gilded surroundings didn't suit him one bit.

Ugh. Speaking of suits. He rolled his shoulders and tugged at his collar again, then eyed the well-dressed men walking past him. Why would anybody want to wear this getup every day? Sure, it looked nice, but it wasn't remotely practical. Even hisnew boss, Everett, had downgraded from a three-piece suit to business-casual when he moved away from the big city and took over the small-town vineyard two years ago. Then again, Everett looked like he'd been born to wear a suit. Ward, on the other hand? He probably looked ridiculous.

And felt even more ridiculous, considering the reason he was sitting there, waiting.

Maybe he should cancel. It was probably too late, and he'd lose the payment he'd made, but that wouldn't be so bad.Right?He could jump back into his dusty truck, get out of the city, and go back home. Back to the open land and shorter buildings and clear, blue skies.

Except he wanted to be here to help his old friend celebrate the day. And, deep down, hereallywanted to explore all these new feelings he'd been having lately.

But maybe this was the wrong time to do so. Ward hung his head and groaned to himself. What if this was a complete disaster? He'dhireda date for the night, for crying out loud! It had sounded like a good idea at the time, but as he sat there, waiting for the escort to arrive, he realized just how stupid it really was. Everyone would know.

Especially because he was meeting a guy who'd be dressed like a woman.

Ward covered his face with both hands.Yep, this is stupid.The whole wedding party would be able to see exactly what was going on, and then everyone would look at him with pity or scorn or maybe even–

“Excuse me. Are you Ward?”

The sultry voice interrupted his thoughts. Ward lowered his hands and saw a pair of dainty feet in black high heels in front of him. He slowly straightened in his seat, his gaze traveling up the stranger's body as he went.

Above the feet were trim ankles and smooth, shapely calves, which gave way to toned, slim thighs clad in the skirt of a snug, black dress. The garment molded to narrow hips, a flat belly, and an equally flat chest. The dress had long sleeves and wasn't quite off-the-shoulder, but it was close, leaving delicate collarbones visible just above the neckline.

Waves of honey blond hair framed a pretty face with full lips and stunning blue eyes.

Ward blinked dumbly. There was no way. This couldn't be his date for the night. If this really was a boy, he wasfartoo convincing as a woman.

“Oh,” the stranger gasped, staring at him. “Holy dancing monkeys. It'syou.”

Ward frowned. “Me?”

The dressed-up boy kept staring, then blinked and shook his head. “Shoot. You know what? We never actually met. And you probably wouldn't recognize me like this, anyway. At least—sheesh—I hope not.” A look came over his face, his brow furrowing in puzzlement. “Holy bajeezus,” he swore quietly, then rolled his eyes and huffed, “Adam.”

Ward gave a start at that. “Adam?” That was the name of his supervisor's boyfriend, the boy who'd suggested the escort service that Ward had called to get this date. Adam had specifically told him to ask for Skylar. “Adam Barnes?”

“Yeah.” Skylar—assuming this really was Skylar—gave a throaty laugh that went straight to Ward's core. “That sneaky little shit. He called and asked what company I work for but he wouldn't tell me why. Damn it.”

“Why?” Ward asked, feeling like he was missing part of the story.

The boy blushed, making him look shy and innocent despite the poise and seductive confidence of his posture. “I saw you. Atthat party at Beau and Dakota's place back in May.” He paused. “You had Charlie sitting in your lap.”

Ward felt himself go hot all over.Geez. That damned party.

That was what had gotten him all screwed up inside. He'd been having confusing feelings for months prior to that, but the party changed everything.

Ward had been straight all his life. No question whatsoever. But then he'd found himself surrounded by happy, gay couples—his supervising boss, John, who was dating Adam; plus their boss, Everett, who was now married to Morgan, Adam's best friend; Everett's brother, Laurie, who had two male partners; some other friends in the area, including Beau and Dakota, whom Skylar had mentioned—and Ward had realized he was envious. And curious. And most definitely questioning. But it wasn't until that party, when a sweet, beautiful stranger dropped into his lap without asking, seeking comfort from the noisy environment, that Ward's world truly turned upside-down.

Having Charlie Pratt in his arms—needing him, even in some small way—had opened up something inside Ward that he could no longer ignore. It had felt so right. So perfect. Like a missing piece that had suddenly locked into place. Ward wanted more of that. He wanted to try dating a boy and give himself a chance to explore all those new feelings.

Except he kept chickening out. Ward had set up a couple dates through some app thing that Beau had shown him, then canceled every one at the last minute.

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